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Curtis J. Bonk: MOOC presentation at BETT 2013

The Bett 2013 show is an event which enables educators to discover new approaches, the latest products and practical guidance for improving and enhancing learning in schools, universities and businesses.

In his energetic presentation (“Taking leadership in mystery of MOOCs and the mass movement toward open education”) at the show, Curtis J. Bonk (Professor of Instructional Systems Technology in the School of Education at Indiana University) talked about the “mystery” of MOOCs. Professor Curt is a popular conference speaker with several books in the area of emerging technologies for learning.

You can find some of my notes from that session below:

Professor Curt expressed his concern that most of the attention focused on MOOCs is putting an emphasis on marketing and not pedagogy. Moreover, he said that, although only a small percentage of MOOC participants actually finish a course successfully, that is a small percentage of a huge number. In other words, this is a life changing technology, offering huge potential for accessibility and opening the world for learning.

Professor Curt’s #15 MOOC Leadership Principles:

Be first – pioneer, be innovative

Offer something novel or distinct

Take risks

Rethink courses, assessment, students, certification etc.

Form symbiotic relationships with other institutions

Offer incentives for participation

Collect testimonials from students and experts

Set bold, audacious goals

Set newsworthy records

Generate media attention

Build on your strengths and niche areas

Don’t make rash decisions

Be proactive in addressing concerns

Give something away

Ask questions – what is the purpose, who is the audience, alumni, strategic planning

Professor Curt’s #15 MOOC Types:

Alternative admission system, hiring MOOC

Just in time skills

Theory or trend driven – experiment with a MOOC before making the official module

Professional development

Loss leader – a starter, beginner’s course

Degree or program qualifier or system bottleneck – supporting weaker students